Stewart Dickson, BA '10
Stewart Dickson (BA ’10) was the third person ever in the Faculty of Arts to graduate with a minor in African Studies. Currently a Litigation Information Analyst with Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada, Stewart continues to draw from his studies in Anthropology and African Studies in his work.
As a Litigation Information Analyst, Stewart works in the Resolution and Individual Affairs Sector, dedicated to resolving issues that stem from the legacy of Canada’s Indian Residential Schools system. He manages and reviews dispute resolution claims so that former residential school students who have suffered physical abuse or sexual abuse may receive compensation for the abuses they suffered.
“Human rights, truth and reconciliation – these are all important concepts in a diversified world,” said Stewart. “The voice of a culture is an important thing that needs to resonate – especially in a bureaucratic setting. In our modern world it’s important to have people who pay attention to and valorize cultures, as students are taught to do in Anthropology.”
During his time at UBC, Stewart was involved with the Arts Co-op Program, completing five work terms over the course of his degree. He first worked at Indian Residential Schools Resolution Canada as an administrative assistant. He then worked with the AIDS Support Organization (TASO) in Uganda as a Laboratory Administrator and Advocate. He later completed his final two work terms at Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada, and was hired on full-time after graduating.
In addition, Stewart also volunteers with The AfricaNext Project, which aims to address the governance gap in African nations by building leadership skills amongst young African scholars through a series of summer programs, internships, and scholarships. In recent years, Stewart has played a role in developing programs for The AfricaNext Project.
Stewart is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Human Security and Peacebuilding at Royal Roads University. In the meantime, Stewart continues to be active with the UBC African Awareness Initiative as an African Studies alumnus, returning to give presentations to students who are considering pursuing the African Studies minor. He advises prospective students on why he chose the program, how it has benefitted him, and how it has impacted his career path.
“I chose my degree for two main reasons. I wanted to do something that I enjoyed and that could help improve our world. I really enjoyed the messages and course material in both of these disciplines; they were the most fascinating subjects that I had been exposed to,” said Stewart. “I really enjoyed it so it didn’t feel like work.”
